There was a knock on the door. Zaily was unsure about opening the door in the city. "Whom could it be?" she wondered.  She got the stool from the corner and stepped up to look out the peephole.  She could recognize that fluffy tail anywhere. "What is Marley doing in this neck of the woods?" she thought.  Then she realized she should probably open the door and let her in.

"Hello, dear friend. What brings you to downtown this morning?" exclaimed Zaily.

 

"I must visit my uncle George, in the west, and I need you to accompany me.  Please, oh please. I have only been there once before and the way is uncertain.  I have this here map to help us find our way.  All I remember is that it is over the river and through the woods." murmured Marley.

 

Zaily took a look at the map and felt a glee of hope. "Why, this is West Virginia and the Shenandoah River. Life is old there, older than the trees. Younger than the mountains, but growing like a breeze.  All we need to do is follow the country road and it will take us home, to your uncle."

 

Marley was filled with joy and anticipation. She scurried home at once to fill her nap sack with seeds and nuts. "Not too sure what Zaily eats, but she can bring her own supply," thought Marley, and she flew out the door ready for her adventure.

 

 

 To be continued .......